11. BE ACCURATE. Double-check all email addresses. An incorrect address will create confusion, and those who fail to receive your message will be omitted from the communication loop.

12. DON'T PANIC. Don't create panic in the virtual classroom. Consider the possible impact of your message. Just as you would never think to yell "FIRE!" in a crowded auditorium, you shouldn't sound an alarm to classmates or the entire class unless it's absolutely necessary. Be sure to wait at least 24 for replies (from classmates and the instructor) to your questions or pleas for help. If after 24 hours you still haven't heard from anyone, send a message to the instructor with "URGENT: HELP" in the subject line. (The instructor for an online course receives hundreds of messages a day; he might've missed your first message.) He/she logs on at least twice a day M-F, and at least once a day on the weekends. If after 24 hours he doesn't respond, phone him or, if possible, drop by his office during his office hours. You will receive a response within 24-48 hours.

13. BE PROMPT. More than in F2F classrooms, diligence in completing activities on time is critical in an Internet class. Often, your groupmates won't be able to complete an activity without your timely cooperation. If you need additional time, let your groupmates and the instructor know before the due date/time. They will understand if you need an additional 2-to-6 hours to complete an activity. You shouldn't be late more than two or three times in the semester. If you're chronically late, expect everyone to be less patient.

14. DON'T FLAME. If you're upset at someone and you've written a message expressing your anger, wait 24 hours before sending it. In Pine, use the control-"o" command to postpone the message. After a day, you'll be better able to decide on the wisdom of sending the message.

15. ASK QUESTIONS OR COMMENT. If you don't understand the requirements for an activity or assignment, be sure to ask questions. In a F2F classroom, the instructor is able to "read" nonverbal cues such as frowns, nods, wrinkled brows, head tilts, squirming, etc., and he uses these to adjust his presentation. In a virtual classroom, these cues are absent. Your questions and comments will help him to clarify key points.

16. READ EVERYTHING. Read all messages sent to the class or group that you belong to--especially messages from the instructor. Read quickly using scanning strategies. Be on the lookout for questions from students and the instructor's responses. By doing this, you can avoid asking questions that have already been answered and you can be better informed about class activities.

17. CREATE BONDS. Respond to classmates' questions and concerns. In this way, you create bonds with them and begin to feel a part of the community. Get to know everyone in class via public and private email. Your enjoyment of the online experience will be dependent on the extent to which you feel connected to and comfortable with your virtual classmates.

18. COMMENT MEANINGFULLY. You'll be asked throughout the semester to respond to classmates' ideas for papers or drafts. Although any comment is better than none at all, a meaningful, helpful comment is invaluable. It shows that you've read and thought about the student's ideas and you sincerely want to help him/her. As a rule, avoid general comments such as "Good ideas." Instead, list the specific points that you feel are good. Even if the student's performance is outstanding, suggest ways to further strengthen it.

19. FORMAT FOR THE ELECTRONIC MEDIUM. For emailed papers, use single-space within paragraphs and double-space between paragraphs. Use only standard ASCII characters. Indent the first line of paragraphs about five spaces, using the spacebar; don't use TAB. In Pine, (a) use control-"j" to reformat each paragraph so that it conforms to the message space and (b) use control-"t" to spell-check your drafts. Be sure to include the standard essay information at the left top of the beginning of the message:
· Name
· Course and Section
· Date
· Assignment
Also include a title that's flush with the left margin.